THE HISTORY OF FOSAF

In 1985/1986, a group of flyfishers
in the Eastern and Western Cape became very
concerned about developments in the sport of
flyfishing in the then Cape Province. It was
clear that the Cape Department of Nature Conservation
wanted to deregulate the Trout Fishing Ordinance
but no consultation or discussion was held with
flyfishing clubs or individuals. Concerned flyfishers
met and the Federation of Southern African Flyfishers
(FOSAF) was formed on 1 March 1986 at the Eagles
Ridge Hotel, Stutterheim.

At this meeting a National Executive
Body was formed with Chapters in Natal, Transvaal,
Eastern Cape, Western Cape and the Orange Free
State. (These chapters are now known as KwaZulu-Natal,
Northvaal [Gauteng and Mpumalanga], the Eastern
Cape, Western Cape and the Free State.) A constitution
for FOSAF was drafted with the following aims
and objectives:

To promote the sport of flyfishing and the
interests of amateur flyfishers throughout
Southern Africa

To unite flyfishers and flyfishing
clubs of Southern Africa in the belief that
in unity is strength.

To provide flyfishers and flyfishing clubs
with a platform for negotiation with higher
authorities and representation on appropriate
councils.

To promote conservation generally and research
particularly into fresh water ecology. To
promote and guide and encourage the angler
to perform a monitoring role to aid the professional
conservationist.

To provide guidance and assistance, when
requested, on matters of general or particular
flyfishing importance to clubs or individuals.

To strive on behalf of its members for improved
facilities in flyfishing.

To form a common body with which the Government
and Local Authorities could liaise in matters
of Legislation and Policy for the mutual benefit
of both.